While my colleague, Lynn Beyer, and I were in Louisville for the Future Farmer’s of America Convention last week, we took the opportunity to visit a few members in nearby Lexington to learn more about our members and industry. That trip took us to Lexair, Inc. and AVENTICS Corporation.
We met with both George Allen, CEO, and John Jennings, V.P. of Sales and Marketing. This manufacturer member focuses on pneumatics and produces a variety of valves, manifold, and systems. Some of the valves also have hydraulic applications. The conversation during our plant tour centered on the diversity of products the company produces. Because the company produces almost all customized rather than mass-produced components, they have been able to target an array of niche markets. Lexair components are used in a variety of applications, including in navy submarines, basket cranes, turkey packaging, and also in the coal, oil, and agricultural industries.
Later in the afternoon we stopped by AVENTICS, which was formerly Rexroth Pneumatics. We were greeted by a number of people, including Rudi Coetzee, the new President for the Americas; Kjell Lyngstad, the V.P. of Sales for Americas; Phillip Donovan, V.P. Plant Manager Lexington; John Bridges, Marketing Manager; and Janeen Boone, Senior Marketing Coordinator. The visit started with a thorough presentation of the company’s international history and place in the industry. The company produces valves, cylinders, and actuators with mostly pneumatic applications, but also some hydraulic applications. During the plant tour and subsequent conversation, we learned about they keep production organized and efficient as well as how they are expanding their global reach and brand awareness since becoming a separate company.
Thank you to everyone who met with us and helped us get a behind-the-scenes look at the fluid power industry. Look out for more road trip news as NFPA staff continue to visit member companies.
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